12 Aug 2015 – Immediate Release
Issued by: Auckland TPPA Call to Action Group
Thousands to Rally Against Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
Thousands are expected to turn out to this Saturday’s protest rally and march in Auckland against the Trans-Pacific
Partnership Agreement (TPPA), starting at 1pm in Aotea Square, as part of a nationwide day of action organised by
itsourfuture.org.nz. The message is unequivocal: ‘TPPA – Walk Away’.
Advertising around the city has included light shows, street theatre and a massive banner drop off Watchman Island.
Barry Coates, who will MC the Auckland rally, says: “The silent majority is stirring. The movement of citizens concerned
about the TPPA is growing. Across New Zealand people are mobilising this week in meetings, marches and rallies. They
include lawyers and economists, doctors and librarians, from farms and businesses and from across the political
spectrum. They are intelligent and well-informed, frustrated at the government’s patronising dismissal of TPPA critics
as anti-trade.”
"The issues in the TPPA are becoming clearer as further leaks emerge and the government concedes that it will cost
taxpayers more for medicines and give new protections to foreign investors. There are no big gains they can show for New
Zealand’s farmers or businesses, and the costs for businesses and consumers are likely to be far higher."
“It is the loss of our sovereignty that will cost us the most. The TPPA is not in our interests. The negotiations are
looking shaky and it is clear that our farmers will get little benefit. This week’s national day of action, including in
Auckland, will send a simple message to the government: now it the time to walk away from the negotiations.”
The protest will begin with a rally in Aotea square at 1pm with music and street theatre. Speakers include Moana
Maniapoto, one of the claimants in the Waitangi Tribunal challenge to the TPPA, and Professor Jane Kelsey. The march
will end up at the US Consulate in Customs St East.
Ends